Associate Food Scientist

Magic Spoon•New York, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Magic Spoon is seeking a curious, detail-oriented Associate Food Scientist to support its product development efforts. This role will focus on executing formulation work, supporting trials, and bringing new products from concept to launch. It is an ideal role for someone early in their career who is excited to learn, gain hands-on experience, and grow within a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment. This role requires on-site presence in our NYC office up to 5 days per week, with exact in-office expectations determined by business needs.

Requirements

BS or MS in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related technical/science discipline
1-3 years relevant experience in food product development, formulation, or technical applications, ideally within CPG, ingredient, or startup environments. (Relevant internships or co-op experience welcomed)
Familiarity with product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization
Hands-on laboratory experience in benchtop prototyping, analytical testing, and/or sensory evaluation
Knowledge of food safety, ingredient functionality, and basic regulatory/Nutrition Labeling requirements (FDA, USDA, etc)
Track record of successful cross-functional collaboration and project documentation/management
Excellent organizational and communication skills; highly detail-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and urgency
Enthusiasm for startup energy, creative problem-solving, and a love of breakfast!
Travel up to 50% (at peak time) for supplier visits, manufacturing trials, co-manufacturer oversight, trade shows, or other business needs
Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain eligibility for business travel.
This role requires international travel to Canada. Candidates must hold or be able to obtain a valid passport for international travel.
Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting experiments, product trials, or working at lab benches and pilot plant equipment.
Frequent walking within laboratory, production, or R&D facilities.
Occasional lifting, carrying, and moving of materials, equipment, and ingredient containers (typically up to 25–50 pounds).
Ability to perform work in labs, kitchens, pilot plants, or manufacturing environments that may be: Warm or cold (depending on the product being tested), Humid or dry, Exposed to strong odors from flavorings, ingredients, or cleaning agents, Exposure to food allergens, powders, or dust depending on the nature of product development.
Ability to safely operate and troubleshoot food processing and lab equipment.
Frequent use of hands to handle laboratory tools, small-scale processing equipment, packaging prototypes, or ingredient samples.
Precision required for measuring, weighing, and mixing formulations accurately.
Ability to operate computers, analytical instruments, and specialized lab equipment.
Strong sensory abilities for: Visual inspection of products (color, consistency, appearance), Taste and olfactory evaluation (flavor development, sensory testing), Texture and mouthfeel assessments.
This role requires tasting and evaluating a variety of food products as part of the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals who are unable to perform this task due to medical or other valid reasons.

Responsibilities

Support formulation and product development projects from benchtop through commercialization under guidance from senior team members
Assist in designing and executing lab experiments, pilot trials, and scale-ups to improve product quality and performance
Conduct benchtop work including weighing, mixing, and preparing prototypes, while maintaining accurate records of formulations and results
Help analyze ingredient functionality, processing conditions, and sensory feedback to support product optimization
Partner with internal teams (Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, FSQR, Marketing) to support product development and commercialization efforts
Assist in coordinating and preparing samples for internal reviews, customer testing, and sensory panels
Support ingredient and supplier evaluations, including organizing documentation and tracking specifications
Maintain and update documentation in internal systems (e.g., PLM, Genesis, BOMs), ensuring accuracy and completeness
Follow established SOPs and contribute to improving organization and efficiency within the lab and development processes
Help identify and troubleshoot formulation or process challenges, escalating issues and proposing solutions with team support
Maintain lab organization, inventory, and cleanliness to ensure a safe and efficient working environment